Thomas' Fight Against Rhabdomyosarcoma Cancer !

Thomas Angel Wilson aka Son-Sun is an 8-year-old boy who loves the world, dreams of being a paleontologist and now has shown his desire to battle childhood cancer. He was diagnosed with Embryonic Rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of pediatric cancer. This cancer is so rare it only effects about 300 children a year or 4 out of one million children are affected. Thomas says he is kicking Rhabdo’s butt and has truly taken an active role in his daily life and activities to ensure he promotes self-healing, determination and courage! He truly inspires me, I am lucky to be his mom, especially now!

On December 25, 2019 Tommy got out of the shower and expressed discomfort on his left testicle, but there was nothing to see. The next day his pediatrician thought he could have an infection and prescribed him antibiotics. The testicle quickly grew larger, became swollen and painful to the touch. On January 8, 2020 we had our first appointment with Baystate Urology who via an ultrasound and blood marker tests quickly knew we needed to be scheduled for surgery as soon as possible to obtain a biopsy and remove any cancerous tumor.

On January 17, 2020 we took Tommy for surgery and patiently waited the outcome. His testicle was about 20xs bigger than its normal size. 1 hour and 15 minutes later we learned Tommy did well and was waking up soon. The urologist in a kind and respectful manner said the words I never imagined hearing as a parent, “your son has cancer.” His testicle was removed fully. The pathology report will provide more information, cat scans are also needed to check Tommy’s other nearby organs. At this point, we still did not have an exact diagnosis.

Tommy came home the same day after surgery and began his recovery. A few days later we learned there was no evidence of cancer in any other nearby organ. The margins were negative, meaning the tumor was contained and it seems we caught this quickly and on time. For some reason, I believed this nightmare was behind us. The cancer was removed, no evidence of cancer anywhere else. I had no frame of reference that my son could still be at risk. 

On January 29, 2020 we went to the urologist for a post-surgery follow up. We were told the pathology report revealed Tommy has what is called, Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). A rare type of pediatric cancer that is aggressive and requires treatment. RMS is highly malignant and develops from skeletal muscle cells. This RMS is so aggressive, that despite removing the tumor and having clear scans there is mandatory treatment. We need to see oncology as soon as possible; Tommy will be scheduled quickly and prioritized. This was a turning moment for us all, but I could not simply understand that my baby, my boy, my SonSun has cancer. The words cancer and Tommy simply did not go together.

On February 5, 2020 Sonsun was scheduled for two surgeries followed by the commencement of his first chemotherapy treatment. The port-a-cath was inserted, this is how they will infuse all medications during this treatment. In addition, a bone marrow biopsy was done in order to complete staging. The beginning felt long and difficult, but we were still awaiting the results of this test to know my Sonsun’s chances of survival and exact course of treatment.  

“My loving, outgoing, intelligent Thomas, Mommy and daddy have to speak to you…you have been diagnosed with what is called Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive type of cancer. Here’s what we have to do for you to be better…”

On February 12, 2020 Tommy was formally diagnosed with Embryonic Rhabdomyosarcoma Stage 1 Group 1. There was no evidence of metastasis, which was the best news we received in a long time. Recommendations: 10 weeks of very intensive systemic treatment of chemotherapy-strong and very toxic.

At the moment his immune system is too compromised to go to school and his school-medical team agreed it would be in his best interest not to attend. He was approved for 3 hours of in-home tutoring a week and I am educating him as I make every effort to maintain his quality of life, mental and psycho-social wellbeing.  

I have been a supervisor for the Department of Children and Families for 14 years. Currently I am approved for unpaid Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) intermittently.  I have already been out of work for weeks at a time since January 9, 2020.  I tried returning to work, but I have not been able to stay more than a day at a time before a difficulty arises or I am needed to be by my son’s side. My goal is to provide the best wholesome care for SonSun and guide him through the “unknowns” of cancer. I come to ask for your help so that I may stay with my son while he battles the scariest fight of his life.

All contributions big or small are greatly appreciated and will help to alleviate financial burdens -medical expenses, lost of income, daily living expenses incurred during this difficult time.  Please support us by sharing our page.

Leaving Sonsun to go to work is difficult but balancing both loving him and financially providing is a reality that I must fulfill. I humbly turn to you in my time of need. Thank you to all reading this and keep my Angel in prayers. He is mentally and spiritually determined to beat Rhabdomyosarcoma. I am on his team! Join our team and help us fight the fight!

Ubuntu

A Fighting Mom- Angelica Rodriguez


“You are the only one who knows what my heartbeat sounds like from the inside out!”